brat

[ brat ]

noun

1. a child, especially an annoying, spoiled, or impolite child (usually used in contempt or irritation).

brat

¹

/ bræt /

noun

1. a child, esp one who is ill-mannered or unruly: used contemptuously or playfully

brat

²

/ bræt /

noun

1. dialect.
   an apron or overall

Other Words From

• brattish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brat¹

First recorded in 1500–20; perhaps transferred use of Middle English brat “cloak of coarse cloth, rag,” Old English bratt “cloak,” from Celtic; compare Irish brat “mantle, cloak”

Word History and Origins

Origin of brat¹

C16: perhaps special use of earlier brat rag, from Old English bratt cloak, of Celtic origin; related to Old Irish bratt cloth, brat ²

Origin of brat²

from Old English brat cloak; related to Old Irish bratt cloth used to cover the body

Example Sentences

Collins dictionary also announced in November that its word of the year was brat - a word that has been everywhere over the last couple of months thanks to Charli XCX's viral album.

From BBC

The idea of 'brat' was adopted by some fans as a rejection of the "clean girl" aesthetic, popularised on TikTok.

From BBC

“When Martha gets mad about an old magazine article and she says that she’s glad the journalist who wrote it is dead, that is brat,” the pop star said.

From Salon

The singer's album Brat inspired a cultural phenomenon in the summer, with many people adopting the "brat" way of life.

From BBC

He first developed the habit as an “Air Force brat” kid growing up, moving with his family between the Philippines, Oklahoma and Hawaii, when he began obsessively accumulating information about the television business.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• punk
• rascal